"Correct me if I'm mistaken. The person named Liam was found dead. You killed Arnold. The men with Arnold either fled or you had them killed. You have not a clue as to who ordered the attack or why." There was a brief pause before he continued.

"Is that all or have I missed something?"

A muscle in Tristan's jaw twitched at lord Rivers words. The truth stung, rubbing salt in his wounds. He felt more frustrated with himself than anyone else. But no matter how many times he wanted to blame himself, he knew it was wrong. He couldn't have predicted Liam's death or the reasons why. Every question has a why, but not every why has to be answered. A good, intelligent leader did not claim blame upon himself unjustly. No matter the situation. Self loathing got a person nowhere. The only thing Tristan could have done differently was to not kill Arnold, but even that would have proven futile. Arnold would not have more information.

Tristan ran a hand over his beard in frustration. He didn't like not being in control, not sure of himself. The people in the village, the families, the children, they all depended on him.

"You don't think it mere coincidence?"

Tristan shook his head before answering.

"I don't believe in coincidence. The attack and then finding Liam dead, the events are too close together to not be connected." Tristan mentally examined the situation. Nay, it wasn't a coincidence. They were linked together, he knew it in his gut.

"You think it Fredrick." It wasn't a question, more of a statement.

"I don't know what to think!" Tristan growled, once again running his fingers through his beard in frustration. He wanted to break something.

"I have an inkling it may be Fredrick, but I have no evidence. The clues I do have aren't enough to indicate towards a person. I have too many questions and no answers."

Tristan turned around to look out his window. He was angry, worried and a bit fearful. He couldn't stop the gnawing feeling in his gut that he was overlooking vital piece of information.

Lord Rivers came behind Tristan and laid a hand on his shoulder. Offering comfort in a way a loved one would.

"Tis will be alright. You need to be vigilant, that is all." Lord Rivers studied Tristan's profile. In all his time knowing Tristan, he had never seen the lad so distraught. Nevertheless allowing someone to see his irritated emotion. He prayed everything would be alright, and soon.

Tristan nodded in agreement but didn't say anything. His gaze locked on a certain indigo beauty who was clad in breeches with sword in hand. His worry, his fears only grew the longer he stared.

"My lady, forgive me, I had greatly underestimated you." Alexander spoke breathlessly. He was bent over, one hand resting on his knee while he turned his head to look upward. His sword lay across from him where Sapphire had thrown it.

"You should never underestimate your opponent." Sapphire said as she wiped the sweat from her brow. Alexander had been more of a challenge than Duncan. He was a well enough opponent, but not as good as Tristan. She could still remember how easily she had lost against him. Maybe he would joust with he, and this time she would be prepared.

"Aye, telling me I loss to a lass." Duncan grumbled, his eyes gleaming with mirth.

Alexander scowled. He knew lady Knight was a worthy opponent, had seen it himself, but he didn't see himself being defeated, and quickly as well. He shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous grin occupied his face.

Sapphire watched warily as Alexander's scowl turned to a smile full of mischief. He was up to something, shrugging it off, Sapphire walked towards a bench. Alexander was most probably going to have a go with Duncan. It would be interesting to watch. Sapphire walked towards the bench, unaware of Alexander running towards her until it was too late.

"Alexander! You berk! Imbecile! Git! Put me down!"

Sapphire pounded her fists against his lower back while screaming profanities that would do a sailor proud, but would make her aunt swoon. Alexander laughed as he walked with his ladyship on over his shoulder. She was a small one compared to him. Easy enough to carry.

"You are not so tough now, are you ,my lady?"

"Tristan will kill you." Sapphire threatened.

Alexander laughed harder. He was finding this amusing. His blond hair matted to his forehead, his eyes twinkling in wicked glee. Not only did he love bothering Sapphire, but he loved irking Tristan.

"Put the lass down. Ye donae want Tristan to kill ye. I ken he will nae spare ye." Duncan called out, a smile tugging on his lips.

"Tristan will have your head." Gerald added his two cents while chuckling. The sight was comical. Sapphire was pounding her fists against Alexander's back while he swung her around. But no one made the move to step forward and help, all enjoying themselves on her expense.

"I've always wanted to do this to someone."

Alexander called as he jumped up, making Sapphire feel the impact. She could already feel her muscles began to sore. His shoulder against her sensitive torso had her biting her tongue.

"Tristan will do the same to you, the only difference is you will be in pain."

Alexander laughed at Sapphires threat. He was having too much fun. The men also found good humor in the situation. They never had a female in the castle before. Now that one finally arrived, they all played tricks on her. The castle was always filled with laughter. Not only was there laughter but a women's touch. Tapestries, rugs, and flowers adorned the castle. It was a more lively place to live in. Where once it was cold and disheartening, now it was warm and welcoming. Who knew a women's touch could do such wonders. Out of all the men, Duncan and Alexander played the most tricks, Gerald joining in occasionally.

"What are you doing to lady Knight? Lord Knight will nay be pleased."

"Robbie! Go get Tristan." Sapphire called out, her voice coming out a tad bit breathless.

"Sit ye arse down before I gut ye." Duncan hollered.

Robert raised his head in indignation, he was not going to be bullied. He was a man, not a lad! And they were holding lady Knight! Robert knew first hand the types of games the other men liked to play.

"Aye? I will get lord Tristan. You can not stop me." Robert turned around, only managing to lift one foot before he was tumbled to the ground by Gerald.

"You were saying, lad?"

Gerald held Robert by the arms, his legs dangling in the air.

"Let me go!" Robert yelled while he flung his legs back and forth trying to injure Gerald in vain. Gerald smirked, aggravating Robert further.Robert continued to kick and yell profanities unti Gerald had him gagged.

Duncan snorted. "We are nae stupid. We let ye go, and your arse will be sailing towards Tristan."

Sapphire couldn't contain her laughter as Alexander began tickling her sides. She squirmed and begged for mercy in between laughs, but Alexander was not having it. He continued his torturous assault until her sides ached with pain. Alexander's eyes glittered with happiness, Sapphire was a bright red, her cheeks flushed with laughter.

"Alex, my turn." Duncan walked over with a wide grin. Alex nodded his head before handing over Sapphire as if she was a bag of grain being traded. Sapphire tried to jump out of reach, but the men were too strong, Duncan even made sure to hold her legs down, leaving her immobile.

"You all are evil!"

The men laughed boisterously at her claim. None the wiser about Tristan's angry yet amused person coming towards them with a laughing lord Rivers in tow.

"Unhand my wife."

One sentence, three small words, yet it caused all the men in the bailey to freeze. The men slowly backed away . Alexander tried to surreptitiously step away, lord Rivers knowing his intentions, blocked his path, his smile one of devilish intent. Without turning around, Duncan put a tired Sapphire down, who in turn gave him a sly smirk before walking towards Tristan. Gerald quickly dropped Robert, causing the poor lad to land on his arse while earning himself a scowl.

"I was trying to stop Duncan, he wouldn't listen." Alexander said quickly, trying to save his hide.

Tristan stood straight, his feet shoulder length apart, while his hands were folded against his chest. His hair was disheveled from him running his fingers across it several times. One perfect brow arched in disbelief.

"Really? I saw you lift her after you loss the dual, the window provides a magnificent view."

Alexander grinned impishly, not at all ashamed at being caught. Given the chance, he would surely do it again. Duncan glared at Alex before giving him a smirk at Tristan's words, the bastard tried to save his own hide and had been caught, serves him right.

Robert rubbed his arse, a smile upon his lips. The three would get what they deserved, and he eagerly awaited.

"We were jesting. No harm done."

Alexander shrugged with faux innocence, adding a charming smile which had Tristan look at him dubiously, clearly he had forgotten which gender he was dealing with.

"Alexander said he wasn't afraid of you, nor was Duncan, and Gerald. They wouldn't take my threats seriously. They tickled me. A lot." Sapphire quipped from besides Tristan, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Now she would have her revenge.

"Is that so?"

"Now, now, I didn't do anything to her ladyship, I was only watching."

Gerald said hastily.

"You didn't help, you goaded them to continue. And you said after Duncan it was your turn."

Sapphire said with a smile, tit for tat. The other men stayed rooted to their spots, waiting for what was to come.

Gerald watched with wide eyes, as well as Alexander and Duncan, promising Sapphire retribution with their eyes. Sapphire smiled sweetly. Next time they would think twice, or maybe not, those three never learned.

"I'll take Alexander, you take Duncan, and then we will both get Gerald. What say you?"

All three men paled slightly. But even their slight fear would not prevent them from doing the deed again. They were like children stealing sweets from the kitchen, punishment would not hinder their harmless mischief.

"A brilliant plan, my boy." Lord Rivers smirked as he stalked towards Duncan, while Tristan smirked at Alex before hoisting him on his shoulders, much like he did to Sapphire.

Tristan's eyes twinkling with humor, the anger and frustration disappearing as he threw Alexander on the ground. A large lopsided grin formed on his face as Sapphire stuck her tongue out, cheering from besides Robert, who added his own opinion and the injustice which was inflicted on him.

"We will nay do it again." Alex breathed, clutching his sides in pain.

"Aye? And the moon is green." Tristan snorted. Virgin Mary had a better chance of being seduced than Alexander turning from his ways.

"Truly? I thought it had been blue." Gerald quipped from his position on the ground.

"Ye are all stupid, tis a pale shade." Duncan mumured before falling to the ground.

Andrew watched with a scowl as Sapphire defeated Alexander with ease. Not only did the wench keep a dagger on her person, but she could wield a sword better than most men. The sword hasn't been fashioned for her either, she wielded the sword of a man.

Hatred burned in Andrews gaze. A women had no place learning weapons. They needed to keep themselves occupied with their sewing or pleasuring their men. Not standing alonsides men with a weapon in hand. What was even more disgusting was these men who called themselves knights. They happily obliged to her, as if there was naught a wrong taking place. Even her husband approved of it. He gave her his tunic and breeches to wear! By the saints! He had never seen a more foolish group of men.

He watched with ill concealed malice as Alexander picked Sapphire up and threw her over his shoulder while she screamed profanities. A lady should not even know those words let alone speak them, nay, the lass was far from a lady. A bint she was. She should not be alone with one man, but the wench was alone with many, her husband and father far from sight. Andrew's hand struggled not to go to his sword and slaughter all of them. The way they behaved, laughing, talking as if they cared for one another. Aye, they were a foolish lot. Soon he would be far, far away from them, they wouldn't know what hit them. Until then, he would have to suffer quietly, that is, if he didn't kill them all first.

"Mistress?" Corriane glanced towards the meek voice, her lips curling into a snarl at the mans appearance. His hair was filthy, his clothes filthy, even his face was filthy! He also reeked of urine. The man was of average height, as well as average built. A coward of a man. She had little use of him. But sadly, beggers could not be choosers.

"What do you want!" Corriane snapped, wanting to be rid of his presence. Not only was he filthy, but he wasn't worth looking at. The sooner he was away from her the better. She didn't associate with the likes of him.

"We have brought you the woman." He whispered, afraid to anger her. She was beautiful, he had made sure he accomplished the task so she could be pleased. He didn't want to disappoint her. He had gone through great lengths to bring the woman here. The woman was beautiful in her own right, but not as beautiful as his mistress.

"Is that so?" Corriane's lips twisted in a cruel smile. She would have to decide herself whether the woman was of value or not.

"Aye, mistress." He answered as he stared at her beauty, mesmerized. He couldn't take his gaze away from her. Her blond her was pulled back in an intricate braid, showing her delicate features. He stared, completely ignorant to the fact she had said something. The love struck fool had no idea her beauty was only skin deep, or perhaps he did, but decided to turn a blind eye towards it.

Corriane stared impatiently at the pathetic man. The only good trait about him was the way he appraised her as one would a goddess, as she deserved. She decided, for that action alone, she wouldn't punish him for ignoring her.

"Jack, I said bring me the woman." Corriane said through tight lips, reminding herself she would not punish him.

"Of course, mistress." Jack said as he was brought back from his reverie, offering a quick bow, he left to go do as he was told.

"Let me go! Do you know who I am! How dare you do this to me!"

Corriane heard the ear grating voice before the person was brought to her. Her men stood on each side of her prisoner, her hands tide behind her back, her eyes covered with a piece of cloth. With the click of her finger, the men removed the woman's blindfold.

Corriane took her in. The girl was relatively attractive, not as attractive as herself, but attractive. She had long blond hair a shade darker than her own. Perfectly arched brows, blue eyes, a straight nose, high cheek bones, and full lips made up her face. Her breasts were on the smaller side as well as her waist, but her gown worked her assets to her advantage. The woman was a vixen.

"Sasha, is it?"

"Lady Sasha Garret to you." Sasha spat. She was enraged to have been taken from her home and brought to this place.

Corriane stared at her impassively. The girl was very prideful. The chit would need to learn how to respect her. But Corraine did admire her for not cowering or begging for mercy.

Ignoring her, Corraine spoke as if she had not been interrupted.

" Sasha, would you like a chance to extract revenge from Tristan?"

Sasha stared at the strikingly beautiful woman before her. She had never seen her before. She would have remembered a face such as hers. There was something about her that drew people in, commanded them to attention. She was a woman Sasha would keep close, if only to best her.

Sasha snickered, " has he refused to let you warm his bed?" Sasha found joy with the thought that Tristan had rejected someone as beautiful as the woman before her.

Corraine smiled coldly at the girl, she was proving herself to be a hindrance. "I believe you were the one thrown out of his home in the nude, not me."

"You bitch!" Sasha snarled, her eyes ablaze with anger. How dare she embarrass her, and with people present as well. She would make her pay.

"That I am." Corraine shrugged as if she were given a compliment. She had no use for this girl, she was too vain, she would only ruin Corraines plans. She would have to find a permanent solution for her, letting her return home wouldn't do.

"Take her away."

Sasha's screams could be heard as she was led towards the dungeons. Corraine pressed her fingers to her head as if in great pain. Having the girl brought here had caused her precious time, time she couldn't get back. She would make her pay.

"The wench is bonny."

Corraine resisted the compulsion to take her whip and have a go at the annoying man, she needed him.

"Have your way with her then."

Corraine answered, not looking towards Fredrick. She wanted him gone and away from her sight. It was getting more and more difficult to bare him.

"I will, after I have ye." His eyes gleamed with lust and maliciousness. The annoying chit was starting to get ahead of herself, forgetting she was the one in need of him. But he didn't care. All he cared about was sating his lust. And the wench before him did more than fine job. After he was done with her, he would go to the wench downstairs.

"I have always wanted to fuck a lady. A pity she is no virgin."

"Have you now?" Corraine asked as she began to disrobe, his eyes following her every movement.

"Aye." Fredrick croaked, his voice laced with lust.

Her clothes pooled at her feet, leaving her naked to his savage gaze. She slowly, confidently walked towards him. A seductive smile curved her lips, her eyes filled with purpose.

"You will have your wish, but first, I want your word we will relocate closer to castle Knight." Corraine whispered in his ear as she ran a finger down his chest to his bulging stomach.

"We cannae, tis to dangerous. Ye donae know Tristan, the mans a beast. He killed most of the men I had sent for the invasion you wanted.

Corraine grabbed his member, "I don't care. We need to relocate of we want the plan to work." She squeezed the core of his lust, urging him to agree.

With his eyes rolled to the back of his head, and his breathing harsh, he ground out, "ye have my word," before savagely grabbing her and bringing her lips to his, not stopping until blood was drawn.

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Thank you all for your sweet comments and thank you silent readers! On another note, I will be going out of town this weekend for about a month, I will update, how ever, there is something wrong with my app and it shuts down once connected to wifi. The place im going to has no computers. So everyone please pray my dilema gets solved quick ;)